La Spezia

The Cruise Ships dock at the new Molo Garibaldi, from there on the city center is 15 minutes (2km) away. The train station is 4km away. A free shuttle bus to downtown is normally provided for.

This cruise port will be able to accommodate two mega ships at one time.

La Spezia port is a cargo port, so guests are not allowed to walk around the port on their own. Instead, cruise passengers are transferred via free shuttle buses to La Spezia port terminal building located at the exit of the port, from where they can access the historic center on foot via Viale S. Bartolomeo and Viale Italia streets. (20 minutes walk)

Taxis are available. Specially useful if heading to the train station (La Spezia Centrale) which 3 km away.

With its excellent natural harbor, the city is the main Italian naval base. The city has a fine 15th-century cathedral, which contains work in terra cotta by the Florentine sculptor Andrea della Robbia. A fortified port since the Middle Ages, La Spezia was badly damaged during World War II and liberated by the Allies in 1945.

The castle of San Giorgio has been recently restored and the important Archeology Collection has been transferred here: this collection is best known for its nineteen anthropomorphic sandstone statue-stele, fashioned by the ancient people of Lunigiana in the Bronze and Iron age. Besides, the old town center has been restored and these works allowed to create an elegant and orderly town center hosting, in the summer season, many attractive musical and cultural entertainment. The absolute highlight of the castle is its open rooftop from where you can admire the majestic views of the city, harbor, and surrounding mountains. You can reach the…

Monument of Giuseppe Garibald in the Community Garden of La Spezia, located only a few minutes walk from the scenic harbor and promenade.

Note: Due to overcrowding of the Cinque Terre area, the italian government will limit the amount of visitors on a daily basis, check with your cruise line.

The Cinque Terre (5 lands) is composed of 5 small villages: Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, Corniglia, Riomaggiore. Strung along 18km of serrated cliffs between Levanto and La Spezia, the Cinque Terre is one of Italy’s treasures.

Hiking is a popular pastime. The region has an extensive network of footpaths that connect each of the five villages to one another. Some Cinque Terre hiking trails are tiring and difficult, while others are suitable for nearly everyone.

The train is the easiest way to get to the Cinque Terre. There is a train service that runs between the five villages during the day which stops at every of the five towns.

It is a short walk to either the train station(20minutes) or the ferry boat. Buy your Cinque Terre ticket at the National Park office at the train station. Don't forget to validate your card before getting on the train. Train alone is about 2 Euro. Trains run in each direction 1-2 times an hour.

Ferries to Cinque Terre and Portovenere.

Soak up the luxury of Forte dei Marmi and tour the best of the Versilia coast. Golden beaches, blue water and panoramic views await your discovery. Absorb the striking vistas of the Apuan Alps and see the legendary marble quarries at Carrara.

For visiting Florence a cruise organized excursion might be the way to go, it is more than 2 hours away. Pisa and Lucca can be easily done by train.

Located in the heart of the Old Town, Via del Prione is one of the main pedestrian streets where you will find a handful of shops, restaurants, cafes, and several museums (Ethnographic and Art museum). Explore its historic alleys, go shopping, have a pizza and Italian gelato, or simply walk around and soak up the local atmosphere…. Enjoy La Spezia.

Euro

Language: Italian.

There are many cafes which offer free WiFi for customers.

Emergency number: 112

Most shops and businesses in Italy open from Monday to Saturday from around 8am until 1pm, and from about 4pm until 7pm, though many shops close on Saturday afternoons and Monday mornings, and in the south the day can begin and end an hour later. In the north some businesses work to a 9am-5pm day to facilitate international dealings. Traditionally, everything except bars and restaurants closes on Sunday, though most towns have a pasticceria open in the mornings, while in large cities and tourist areas, Sunday opening is becoming more common.

Holidays: January 1 (New Year's Day) January 6 (Epiphany) Pasquetta (Easter Monday) April 25 (Liberation Day) May 1 (Labour Day) August 15 ( Ferragosto; Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary) November 1 ( Ognissanti; All Souls Day) December 8 ( Immaccolata; Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary) December 25 ( Natale; Christmas)